Volunteers needed for dementia service in Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale

2:47pm 8th August 2017

A charity is looking for volunteers in Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale to help people with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society has launched a free service called 'Side by Side', which provides one-to-one support for people who may feel isolated or find it difficult to leave their homes, remain active and feel part of their local community.

Kate Woodfield, coordinator of the service in Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale, said: "This new service focuses on enabling people with dementia to lead more fulfilling lives and to continue to take part in the activities that they have always enjoyed and try new ones.

"We need more volunteers in Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale to enable people with dementia to stay connected and help to reduce feelings of loneliness that may be felt after a diagnosis.

"By doing things like going for a walk, to a football match, or joining a local class together, our volunteers support people with dementia to take up hobbies and get out and about. What they do together is entirely based on what the person with dementia wants.

"Volunteers are crucial to the success of this service and can range from providing support once a week to once a fortnight at a time that works for the volunteer and person with dementia.

"It might be taking a walk in the park, a visit to a café or a chat over the phone, sounds simple, but it can make a huge difference to someone's life."

A survey by Alzheimer's Society has found that 40% of people with dementia have felt lonely.

Social activity and social support are thought to be directly related to better physical and cognitive function, and also help to slow down the rate of decline.

Anyone interested in becoming a 'Side by Side' volunteer is asked to call Kate Woodfield on 01274 586008 or send an e-mail to sidebysideacw@alzheimers.org.uk